Waterslide Adventures!

We just set up our new Little Tikes waterslide. Dylan and our neighbors had a great time! The mountain water is a little too cold so we added warm water from our hot tub and the kids loved it.

Annual Bob Lane Party

We had our annual "Bob Lane" party this week. All our neighbors gathered together for food and fun! There is usually a big water fight at the end of the meal, but the hosts this year removed the hoses from the backyard. It was a great time despite not getting soaked!

Father's Day

We enjoyed a wonderful Father's Day celebration at Boondocks Fun Center. Our boys are lucky to have you for their Dad! Thank you for all that you do. We love you!

Dylan's Razor Scooter

Dylan has become quite good at riding a scooter, so I decided to take a little video today. His balance and coordination amaze me.



I also wanted to add a video of him playing in his little car.

Toddler Speak

One of the joys of motherhood is witnessing your child learn to speak. Dylan's language development has been fascinating and exciting to see. I still remember his first word, which was "kitty." By the time he turned two, his vocabulary had grown to over 50 words and now it has broadened to new words and phrases almost daily. Although I love to hear him learn new words and pronounce them correctly, I also enjoy hearing cute mispronunciations and new unique words.

The reason I am writing this entry now is that his most infamous made-up word has almost disappeared. I am not sure when it started or why, but he always referred to his favorite blanket as a "dodgie or dodgies." When he would call for it, I would always say the correct word, as recommended by parenting experts, so that he would eventually learn the word. However, now that he calls his blanket a blanket, I am saddened not to hear "dodgies." Sometimes, I find myself asking him about his dodgies and trying to get him to say it. Although he will repeat it after me, he never says the word first anymore.

Another adorable made-up phrase is slowly disappearing as well. Before knowing how to ask for something or tell me where something goes, Dylan would simply point and repeat the phrase, "da-doe, da-doe." For example, he often used it when pointing to his plate for ketchup, to tell me where to sit or signal that a part was missing from a toy or other object. I think it basically meant "that goes" here and the phrase "da-doe" was close enough. Now that his vocabulary has improved I have noticed this phrase slowly disappear as well. As with the word "dodgie," I continue to say "da-doe" in hopes that it lasts just a little longer. I guess this is just part of not wanting to let go of the childlike qualities that are so endearing and ever so temporary. Some other current toddler-isms include nu-nues = noodles and buddy = butter. He loves to ask for a buddy sandwich, meaning peanut butter of course. I am now trying to enjoy every moment of these early words since they will be gone before I know it.

Back Deck Views

One of the main reasons we moved to his house was for the spectacular views of the mountains. I have attached a few pictures highlighting the changing seasons.

This is one of my favorite sunrise pictures taken in January
2007, shortly after we moved here.

This picture was taken during a January 2007 snow storm.

This picture taken in late September 2007, highlights the mountain fall foliage a little past peak.

This picture was taken after a February 2008 major snow storm.

Austin's First Solid Feeding

Austin had his first solid feeding of rice cereal on Sunday, May 25th. It was amazing how well he was able to eat, especially since his cleft palate can make it challenging. He really enjoyed the food and squealed in delight throughout the feeding. And just after two days of solid food, he actually slept through the night for the first time!

New Deck

We decided to have a new deck built this spring. We just love the new composite material and it looks fantastic! We plan to have many cookouts this summer.

Dylan's First Sandbox

Dylan loves his new sandbox. He and his friend Zach had a great time playing together.

Austin's Lip Repair Surgery

Austin had his first surgery today to repair his cleft lip. There were no complications and the total procedure only took about an hour and a half. He was in quite a bit of pain at first and wanted us to hold him most of the time. Mike and I took turns sleeping in the uncomfortable hospital cot and holding him in the even more uncomfortable chair. It was a long day and night, but Austin was released from the hospital the next morning.